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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Consumer Alert: NYS DMV Warns of Ongoing Text Message Phishing Schemes

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles is warning New Yorkers of ongoing text message phishing schemes. These illegitimate text messages ask recipients to update their driver license contact information. The messages link to a phony DMV website. Anyone who received such a text message should not provide any personal data and should delete it right away. 

To help protect against phishing or smishing (SMS phishing) scams, the NYS Office of Information Technology Services (ITS) recommends the following precautions:

*Exercise caution with all communications you receive, including those that appear to be from a trusted entity.  Inspect the sender’s information to confirm the message was generated from a legitimate source.

*Keep an eye out for telltale signs of phishing – poor spelling or grammar, the use of threats, the URL does not match that of the legitimate site. If the message does not feel right, chances are it is not.

• DON’T click on links embedded in an unsolicited message from an unverified source.

• DON’T send your personal information via text.  Legitimate businesses will not ask users to send sensitive personal information through text message.

• DON’T post sensitive information online.  The less information you post, the less data you make available to a cybercriminal for use in developing a potential attack or scam.

For more information on phishing scams, as well as steps to mitigate a phishing attempt, visit the NYS Office of Information Technology Services Phishing Awareness resources page: its.ny.gov/resources. For more information about DMV, visit dmv.ny.

Skidmore Grad makes Time Magazine List of “Best Inventions of 2020”

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — A disinfection system co-created by Class of 2014 Skidmore College graduate Elliot “Mo” Kreitenberg has been named one of Time magazine’s Best Inventions of 2020. 

The Dimer GermFalcon – a disinfection system from Dimer UVC Innovations – disinfects the interior of an airplane with UVC light. 

“Roughly the size of a beverage cart, the GermFalcon uses the same UVC disinfection systems as hospitals to sanitize every surface of an aircraft’s interior before passengers board,”  according to Time magazine.  While not yet tested against COVID-19, the GermFalcon has been effective against SARS and MERS, two other members of the coronavirus family.w

The GermFalcon utilizes hospital-proven UVC light to quickly and effectively kill germs on all high touch surfaces of an airplane. Dimer is the company that created the appliance. 

Skidmore alumnus Leejay Pollacchi ’13, a marketing and design professional, is also part of the core project team and has been brought on as brand manager at Dimer, according to Skidmore College. Kreitenberg and Pollacchi, two longtime friends, were also college roommates and both studied management and business at Skidmore and played for the men’s baseball team.

Ronald J McCue

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

Ronald J McCue

BALLSTON LAKE, NY – Ronald J. McCue, 86, passed away following a brief illness on Saturday, December 19, 2020.

Born in Pittsburgh, PA, he was the son of the late Ronald and Helen (Dugas) McCue. Ron graduated from Mt. Lebanon High School excelling as a punter and golfer / caddie, somethi9ng he continued to enjoy throughout his life. Upon graduation he joined the U.S. Army, where he would receive his training as a Meteorologist, a career he would continue for the next 35 plus years. While stationed at the Sault St. Marie, MI weather station, he would meet the love of his life, Delores, and wife of more than 63 years.

A newlywed couple looking for adventure would begin their life together along with their not yet 2-year-old daughter, Susan, at the northmost point of the United States, Point Barrow Alaska NOAA weather station. Ron’s novice photography skills would capture and chronicle this part of their life in such a dramatic way, these pictures would later become an educational tool presented in many local elementary schools. Ron and Dee would eventually settle in Colonie, NY to raise their now three children. Ron was a man who throughout his life could build or fix almost anything, enjoying gardening, growing the most beautiful wave petunias and tomatoes that he would graciously give to family and friends. He later became an accomplished RC airplane builder and flier in the Ballston Lake Flying Club. He also loved fishing, always looking forward to the opening day of Walleye season at the beginning of May. Holidays especially Christmas were not always easy due to the work schedule of a meteorologist, but he would always find the time to prepare the 60+ year old family recipe for eggnog to share with family and friends.

Ron retired from the National Weather Service in Albany in 1989, after 35 years of service. Throughout retirement he was able to enjoy his love of golf, not only playing but teaching many aspiring players, young and old at the Northway 8 Golf Shop. Throughout his life he instilled a proud work ethic in all his children and grandchildren. He was always happy to witness and appreciate each of his grandchildren’s achievements. He enjoyed Disney Vacation Club cruises and stayed at Disney and later spent family vacations in Ocean Park, ME, and visited his brother and sister-in-law in Phoenix. He can finally say one of his favorite lines one last time, “hit the road Jack”, rest in peace dad.

Ron was predeceased by his beloved parents. He leaves behind his loving wife Delores; children: a daughter Susan and her husband Michael Hartshorne, two sons, Stanley McCue and his fiancé Laurie and Bernard McCue and his wife Terry; a brother James McCue and his wife Jeri; his cherished grandchildren: Isabella (Sean) Underwood, Tony (Kaitlyn) Ientile, Kayleigh (Patrick) Fischer and Nicholas McCue, Marcus (Lucy) Valentine, Wesley (Jolie) Valentine and Stephanie Valentine; great-granddaughters: rowan Quin Fischer and Charlotte Maben; several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends will be received on Wednesday, December 23 at the Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Rd. from 11:30 to 1 p.m. A procession to the Gerald B.H. Solomon National Cemetery will follow. Military honors will be bestowed at 2 p.m.

Donations can be made to the WoundedWarriorProject.org or St. Jude’s Childrens Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, TN 38105.

Online condolences may be expressed to the McCue family at Glenvillefuneralhome.com.

Virtual Online Marketplace Features Fine Art & Craft by Beekman Street Artists

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — With just a click from the comfort and safety of your home you can view and purchase the work of talented local artists and support the Saratoga Springs art community.   

This holiday season, the Saratoga Springs Art District (SSADI) presents the Beekman Street Arts District Online Holiday Marketplace. The 8th Annual Beekman Street Art Fair, a yearly event celebrating the local arts community and showcasing the art of regional artists, was canceled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Pivoting in these challenging times, the Online Holiday Marketplace provides the opportunity to browse and buy a variety of fine art and crafts created by the artists of Beekman Street and beyond.

The new website features work of a group of unique and accomplished artists, and includes: jewelry, painting, wearables, ceramics, pottery, and home decor. Local pick up is offered along with direct shipping. The Marketplace is accessible through the Beekman Street Art District website at SaratogaArtDistrict.com

The Magic of Christmas 2020 Local TV Special Broadcasts This Weekend

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

ALBANY — The Albany Symphony and WNYT NewsChannel 13 present The Magic of Christmas 2020, featuring holiday music performed by The Albany Symphony Brass Choir and Symphony Percussionists, Capital Region youth and performing arts groups, and special guests. 

The television special will air 7-8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 19 on WNYT, Channel 13, and 4-5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20 on WNYA, My4. The show will be hosted by Albany Symphony Music Director David Alan Miller and NewsChannel 13 Anchor Benita Zahn. 

Featured performers include: Albany Symphony Brass Choir and Percussionists  – performing at the Palace Theatre, The Music Studio, Empire State Youth Orchestra Jazz and Percussion Ensembles, The Cathedral Choir of Men and Boys, Northeast Ballet Company, and students from the City School District of Albany. 

“During these challenging times, the members of the Albany Symphony and I are so delighted to partner with our friends at WNYT and Benita Zahn to bring the magic of the holidays to our entire Capital region community,” Miller said, in a prepared statement. “We are thrilled to feature so many talented young people from throughout our region and the wonderful organizations that nurture them year-round. We hope the whole community will join us in celebrating the beauty of the season.” 

The television show was inspired by the Symphony’s popular live Magic of Christmas performances held annually at the Palace Theatre. Due to COVID-19, The Magic of Christmas has been reimagined this year as a virtual celebration featuring holiday favorites, including “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” “Sleigh Bells,” a reading of “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” and selections from “The Nutcracker.”

“Aulcie” – Documentary Livestream Dec. 20-22

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Congregation Shaara Tfille and The Jewish Community Center of Saratoga Springs will live stream the documentary “Aulcie” by Israeli twice academy-award winning filmmaker Dani Menkin from Dec. 20 – 22.  Aulcie Perry, an African American basketball player from the Newark ghetto, does not make it to the NBA, but he comes to international glory in the holy land by changing the country and himself forever.

In 1976, Aulcie Perry was playing basketball in Harlem when scouts from Maccabi Tel Aviv spotted and signed him. Aulcie moved to Israel, led the team to their first European Championship with an upset win and had what one Sports Illustrated writer described as “the most extraordinary season in its remarkable history.” A year later, he converted to Judaism, changed his name to Elisha Ben Abraham and became an Israeli citizen. Aulcie began dating Israeli supermodel Tami Ben Ami, further establishing him as Israel’s biggest star and the country’s power couple.  His rise to fame was precipitous, and his relationship with supermodel Tami Ben Ami became the subject of relentless media attention, solidifying his status as one of Israel’s biggest stars. 

Yet, behind the scenes, he had a growing drug addiction which culminated in his arrest and imprisonment for narcotics smuggling.  His charmed life came to a dramatic halt. While imprisoned, Aulcie was not only forced to confront his own demons but suffered the loss of long-time girlfriend Tami to cancer.

Open to the entire community, email likebertrand518@gmail.com to obtain the live streaming link. 

YMCA Winter Program Registration Begins Dec. 22

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

Mini Active Kids Club (2-3 years) Experience a variety of games and activities in a small group setting. One parent only can accompany their child. Saturdays, 11:15-11:45 a.m. Members $40/Non-Members $60.

Tiny Tutus (3-5 years) Build on the basics of ballet through imaginative and creative movements, positions and combinations. Saturdays, 10:10-10:55 a.m.; or 11:05-11:50 a.m. Member $60/Program Member $100.

Twinkle Toes (4-6 years) Improve on the fundamentals of ballet while establishing tap basics to develop balance, coordination, and rhythm. Saturdays, 12:05-1:05 pm. Member $60/Program Member $100.

Soccer (3-4 years) Intro to soccer games and drills. Parental involvement is encouraged. Thursdays, 4-4:30 p.m. Members $40/Non-Members $50.

Soccer (5-7 years old) Play on a co-ed team. Thursdays, 4:35-5:15 p.m. Members $50/Non-Members $50.

T-Ball (4-6 years) Learn the basic skills and game play. Saturdays, 12-12:30 p.m. Members $40/Non-Members $70.

Little Rookies (3-5 years) Learn and play a variety of different sports each week. Parents participation is encouraged. Saturdays, 11:15-11:45 a.m. Members $40/Non-Members $70.

Basketball (4-5 years) Introduction for boys and girls. Mondays, 4-4:30 p.m. Members $40/Non-Members $60.

Basketball (6-7 years) Learn the fundamentals.  Mondays, 4:40-5:20 p.m; Saturdays 12:45-1:25 pm. Members $40/ Non-Members $80.

Basketball (8-10 years) Develop fundamental skills. Tuesdays 4:15-5 p.m.; Saturdays 1:35-2:20 p.m. Members $55/Non-Member $90.

Beyond the Basics: Next level skills. 10-13 years, Saturdays, 3-4 p.m.; 14-17 years, Saturdays, 4-5 p.m. Members $70/Non-Member $100.

Custom Basketball Training. One-on-one or training in groups is available. 

Youth Intermediate Volleyball (10-14 years) Co-ed. Wednesdays 4:15-5 p.m. Members $60/ Non-Members $90.

Leadership Club: Teens (8th through 12th grade) plan and organize projects with an emphasis on community service. 1st and 3rd Monday of the Month. 6-7 p.m. Free with Family or Youth Membership.

All winter programs run Jan. 4 to Feb. 21. For more information, go to srymca.org.

Saratoga Winter Rec Program Registrations Open

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

Form a new skate of mind with the Saratoga Springs Recreation Department’s Intro to Ice Skating Program. Learn ice skating basics or improve your skills. Ages 3 to adult. Tuesdays and Saturdays from Jan. 5 until Feb. 13. $60 for residents/$80 non-city residents.

Develop your skills, learn the rules and strategy to serve up your best in their Volleyball Program. Ages 8 -14 years. Jan. 6 through Feb. 10. $55 residents/ $65 non-city residents.

Join the Pickleball League and ace the court. Ages 18+. Jan. 10 until March 7 (no play Feb. 14). $45 residents/ $65 for non-city residents. Space is limited. 

The Rec’s nine pickleball courts are ready for Drop-In Pickleball. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings from 9-11am. Participation is limited and is on a first come, first-served basis. Days/times are subject to change. $3 residents/ $4 others.

Basketball Programs: Tiny B’ball is a parent/child activity that introduces participants, ages 3 to 5, to the sport of basketball through games and activities. $55 residents/ $65 non-city residents. Intro to Basketball for participants in grades K-1st. Boys and Girls programs for Grades 2-8 build on skills. $60 residents/$80 for non-city residents. Space is limited. Volunteer Coaches are needed. All session fees increase $25 beginning Jan. 1. Participants must wear a mask at all times. 

One-hour Racquetball Rentals are available. $5 residents/ $10 others. 

Some programs require you to create an account and register for a Rec Card prior to arrival. Visit www.SaratogaRec.com, or contact the Recreation Department at 518-587-3550 x2300 or recreservations@saratoga-springs.org with questions.

December 18 – December 24, 2020

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Calendar.

Friday, December 18

1980’s-90’s Holiday Music Dance Party
Saratoga Springs Public Library Zoom Presentation | 7 – 8 p.m.
DJ Costa Rica, Troy Lester, presents a 1980s – 90s Holiday Music Dance Party – Whether you celebrate a holiday or not, if you are trimming your tree, or lighting your menorah, lighting your kinara, or celebrating the winter solstice, join us for an entertaining family-friendly retrospective dance party and kick it old school! Registration with an email is required in order to receive a Zoom link three (3) hours prior to the start time of the program. Please register online. www.sspl.org

Saturday, December 19

Holiday Farmer’s Market
Wilton Mall Food Court, 3065 NY 50, Saratoga Springs | 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Featuring 50+ vendors selling a full range of locally produced items including fresh produce, ready-to-eat foods, artisanal products, and holiday gift items. Masks required. For more information visit www.saratogafarmersmarket.org. 

Pop Up Holiday Market
Saratoga Arts, 320 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | Noon – 4 p.m.
Shop local this holiday season and help support local artists. Masks and social distancing required.

Santa Claus is Coming to Town
East Side Area starting at 3 p.m.
Catch a glimpse of Santa in your neighborhood as he travels through Saratoga Springs atop a tower ladder fire truck provided by King Enterprises. Follow Santa live on Facebook @downtownsaratogasprings. For more information visit www.saratogaspringsdowntown.com. 

28th Annual Holiday Cookie Sale 
The Galway United Methodist Church, Corner of Rte. 147 and CR45, Village of Galway | 10 a.m. – Noon
Cookies must be pre-ordered and paid for in advance.  Cookies will be boxed in 1-pound assortments and pick up will be available for drive through only in the church parking lot. Contact Sharyn Kalinkewicz at 518-928-0179 for information, placement of orders and/or payment information.

Sunday, December 20

A Joyful Noise!
Caffe Lena, YouTube Live | Noon – 1:30 p.m.
Gospel Music director & Soulist Garland Nelson leads Lena’s Inspirational Voices gospel choir for an afternoon of joyful noise. Songs range from traditional gospel and contemporary church music to soulful pop classics. “Hymnals” are provided, and audience participation is downright thunderous. It’s impossible to stay quiet or in your seat as Garland Nelson stirs up the Spirit!

Monday, December 21

Song Swap with Jeff Walton
Saratoga Springs Public Library, Zoom Presentation | 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Please join us for an informal song swap led by local musician, Jeff Walton. Feel free to bring your own tune to play and share. Please register online at www.sspl.org. This online program uses the Zoom livestreaming platform. It will require access to a computer, mobile device with the Zoom app installed, and/or a phone for audio-only access. Registration with an email is required to receive information on how to connect. The email will be sent three (3) hours prior to the scheduled start time of the program.

Tuesday, December 22

Storytelling Night
Caffe Lena, YouTube
Featuring Kate Dudding, Sandor Schuman & Betty Cassidy. The show will feature some of the finest storytellers from around the Capital Region who often serve as the featured artists for these monthly open mics.

Wednesday, December 23

Santa Claus is Coming to Town
South Side, Jefferson St. and Union Ave. South Area starting at 2 p.m.
Catch a glimpse of Santa in your neighborhood as he travels through Saratoga Springs atop a tower ladder fire truck provided by King Enterprises. Follow Santa live on Facebook @downtownsaratogasprings. For more information visit www.saratogaspringsdowntown.com. 

Chicken Cacciatore Dinner
Saratoga Wilton Elks, 1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs | 4:30 – 6 p.m.
For curbside pick up only. Call Monday or Tuesday between 10 a.m. – noon to place an order at 518-584-2585. Menu: chicken cacciatore, orecchiette pasta, tossed salad, garlic toast. Dinner for 2 cost $25. (cash only). 

Thursday, December 24

20th Annual Artisan’s Market
Brookside Museum, 6 Charlton St., Ballston Spa | Noon – 4 p.m.
Shop a unique selection of locally crafted goods, including soaps and lotions, cutting boards, ornaments, jewelry, dog treats and much more!  Each purchase supports local artisans and Brookside Museum.